Two Blues eager to continue strong start in 2024-25

NEWTOWN & Chilwell will look to continue its good start to the 2024-25 Geelong Cricket Association First Division in a two-day fixture against St Peters in Round 7.

The Two Blues pulled off a strong two-wicket win over reigning premiers North Geelong last week to raise the side’s record to five wins and one loss across all formats.

Newtown & Chilwell are not shoe-ins to walk over the Saints at Queens Park Reserve, with the competition’s newcomers already claiming two wins.

The Two Blues relied on a 189-run partnership at the top of the order between captain Dylan Hodge and Michael Grohman to propel the team to the narrow win over the Magpies.

Grohman carved out 97 runs from 189 deliveries, including 10 boundaries.

Hodge’s 97 came off 145 balls and included five boundaries and four sixes.

Ronnie McKenna was pivotal in the middle of the order with 63, and Lachie Sperling (24) and Tyson Windus (16) also contributed.

Sperling was also the Two Blues’ top wicket-getter, claiming three scalps on Day One.

The club’s run of form follows last year’s top four finish, and the Two Blues are making a claim to be a side to be reckoned with as the season rolls on.

St Peters’ Billy Ford will catch most of Newtown & Chilwell’s attention tomorrow, having made 100-plus runs in each of the past two matches.

Ford hit for 110 off 184 balls last round against East Belmont, and compiled 105 runs off 118 balls against South Barwon.

Round 7 also features clashes between East Belmont and St Joseph’s, Grovedale and South Barwon, and Highton and North Geelong.

Day One play starts at 12.45pm tomorrow.